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The
Speyside Golf Whisky Trail is a wonderful
opportunity to sample some of the best elements of
the 'Home of Golf.' While the busier, more popular
(and expensive) parts of the country such as St
Andrews or East Lothian annually attract thousands
of golfers, here is a region that is still serene,
a magnificent valley with excellent scenery.
What we really like about the courses in Speyside
is their lack of pretension; some were designed by
members many decades ago and others have big-name
architects attached to their origins. But all have
tremendous character befitting an area that
produces a spirit similarly full of character.
Centuries ago, an illegal whisky distilling trade
flourished here in the hidden glens and veiled
birch woods of Speyside. A small still could be set
up and just as easily dismantled should the excise
man be making his rounds. The peat fires and pure
waters used at that time established the unique
flavours now expected of genuine Scotch whisky, so
much so that no other country in the world has been
able to emulate it.
More than half of Scotland's whisky distillers are
in the Speyside region and most are open to the
public for 'educational' visits. The Glenlivet,
Glenfarclas, Glenfiddich and the Macallan are all
close at hand each offering a convivial and
informative visitor centre.
Speyside is renowned for offering the best of
Scotland: its food, malt whisky, Highland
landscapes, salmon fishing, shooting, skiing,
hiking and of course golf. Try the superb Scottish
Highland and coastal links courses and follow the
River Spey with the smell of peat fires and barley
malt never too far away.
Watch our video on the Golf Whisky Trail
here.
